Following Carl Appell and George “Chick” Evans, Ralph McKinzie became NIU’s third full-time head coach and served for 24 years as a basketball, baseball, tennis, track coach, football aide and athletic trainer.

“Mac” won three Little 19/IIAC titles on the hardwood and three league titles in baseball.

McKinzie was a charter member of the NIU Hall of Fame and has been inducted into seven different hall of fames.

The NIU baseball diamond is also named in honor of McKinzie.